Ronson Touch-Tip Turret, 1935

The Ronson Touch-Tip 'Turret' Table Lighter was manufactured between 1936 and 1941 by Ronson / Art Metal Works Inc. in Newark, New Jersey in the United States. The streamline design of the lighter - rectangular body with horizontal tubular bands - was perceived as very modern in the past days.

On one of the four vertical panels a traditional polished monogram shield was present though. The cylindrical wand knob as well the part of the body of the T-T were had a dureum finish. The panels were made in different finishes: black enamel, Georgian Bronze (see picture) and tortoise.

The lighter fitment was detachable from the padded base. The polished center monogram shield  was on one side. Below the T-T Tourrete advertised in Life Magazine in 1940.

The lighter base is marked:

RONSON TOUCH-TIP - U.S.PATS.1,986,/54-DESIGN PAT. 97,247
BRITISH PAT.APPL'D.FOR-CANADA PAT.349,148
ART METAL WORKS INC - NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

Type: touch-tip lighter (T-T)

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $300.00–600.00 (approx €200.00–400.00)

Weight: 560 grams (1.23 pounds), wand itself: 19 grams (0.7 ounces)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.7")
• width: 5.7 cm (2.2")
• length: 5.7 cm (2.2")